The minimum recommended daily wear time for a chin cap is 12-14 hours to ensure effective orthopedic correction by applying consistent and sustained force to guide mandibular growth. Wearing the device for this duration optimizes treatment outcomes by maximizing active time, which is critical during growth periods. Less than 12 hours reduces therapeutic efficacy, while adequate wear promotes proper mandibular repositioning and skeletal remodeling. Compliance with this wear time is essential to achieve desired structural changes without overloading tissues.

Reference: Graber Orthodontics, 6th Edition.